u/bookish_cat_

I have felt called to Orthodoxy for several years now, but I had to move from the Orthodox Church where I was an inquirer for my husband’s job. I am not currently able to drive to the nearest Orthodox Church, and my husband isn’t interested in taking me, as he’s very settled as a Baptist.

I was raised Catholic and could go to a local Catholic Church, but it would really be a placeholder until I could get to an Orthodox Church. At the moment I feel pressured to go to my husband’s Baptist church. I have genuine concerns about the theology personally, but the people are generally nice and offer opportunities for social interaction. I just feel like if I go I’m essentially lying since I don’t truly buy into their statement of faith. The church is very much a “relationship not religion” type church, and has made comments that hint on anti-Catholicism (and I imagine the same would be true of Orthodoxy if it were more well-known in my area).

At this point, as I’ve been starved for social interaction, I’m wondering if it is best to participate in my husband’s church until I have the ability to regularly go to an Orthodox Church. I would be exposed to the Bible and people who are seeking Christ, albeit in a bit of a different manner.

I feel torn because I don’t exactly feel like I’m being authentic by attending, but I’m not sure it’s best to avoid going to church altogether. I have asked whether anyone from my town travels to the Orthodox Church in another city, but no one responded.

What would you do?

I’m curious whether anyone has come across research regarding the microbiome and handwashing, specifically against overwashing hands and possible damage to the microbiome. I feel like it’s a balance to protect ourselves from harm by keeping hands clean, but overwashing must do harm as well.

Any resources would be greatly appreciated!

Your subway system is not only efficient but CLEAN. Having Philly’s subway as my primary point of comparison, I am seriously impressed. I mean, I wouldn’t want to eat a meal off the floor, but it is miles above what I have experienced in Philly. I’m also a huge germaphobe, so admitting that public transportation is pretty clean is a big deal.